Telephoto Camera Lenses: Features, Specifications, and Price

Discover everything about telephoto lenses: how they work, their best uses, and tips for choosing the right one. Explore expert insights at Bajaj Finserv and avail Easy EMI options.
Explore Telephoto Lenses
3 min
5-Dec-2024
Telephoto lenses are perfect for capturing distant subjects with unmatched clarity and detail. Whether shooting wildlife, sports, or breathtaking portraits, these lenses provide superior magnification and stunning background blur to make subjects stand out. Designed to deliver precision and sharpness, telephoto lenses are an essential tool for photographers seeking professional grade results in every shot.

Explore a selection of telephoto lenses available on Bajaj Mall. Alternatively, visit any of Bajaj Finserv’s 1.5 lakh partner stores in 4,000 cities in India. Choose the product that you like and get Easy EMI and zero down payment offers exclusively with Bajaj Finserv’s financing options.

Introduction to telephoto lenses

Telephoto lenses are essential tools for capturing distant subjects with remarkable clarity and detail. These lenses are commonly used in wildlife photography, sports events, and portrait photography due to their ability to magnify far off subjects while maintaining sharpness. Unlike other camera lenses, telephoto variants offer a narrower field of view, enabling photographers to focus precisely on their subjects while creating a beautiful background blur. Whether you are a budding photographer or a professional, understanding the versatility of telephoto lenses can elevate your photography skills significantly.

Key features of telephoto lenses

  • Magnification and reach: Telephoto lenses are designed to bring distant objects closer, making them ideal for wildlife photography, sports, and astronomy. These lenses offer extended focal lengths, often exceeding 100mm, for unparalleled zoom capabilities. For instance, a DSLR lens with telephoto capabilities allows you to capture sharp, detailed images even from a considerable distance.
  • Shallow depth of field: A defining feature of telephoto lenses is their ability to create a shallow depth of field, resulting in striking background blur or bokeh. This effect enhances the subject's prominence, making it stand out against blurred surroundings, especially in portraits.
  • Stabilisation and clarity: Many modern telephoto lenses come equipped with image stabilisation, minimising motion blur caused by camera shake. This feature ensures sharp, high-quality images, even when shooting handheld or in challenging lighting conditions.

Types of telephoto lenses

  • Standard telephoto lenses: These lenses typically range from 70mm to 200mm in focal length, making them suitable for portraits, events, and wildlife. They strike a balance between versatility and portability, ideal for both professionals and hobbyists.
  • Super telephoto lenses: With focal lengths exceeding 300mm, these lenses are crafted for specialised photography, such as capturing wildlife in remote locations or photographing athletes during fast paced sports events.
  • Zoom telephoto lenses: Offering a variable focal length, these lenses provide flexibility to switch between wide angle and telephoto perspectives. They are perfect for dynamic shooting environments, such as weddings or travel photography, where you need to adapt quickly.

Understanding these types of telephoto lenses helps photographers select the most suitable option for their creative pursuits. Whether you aim to capture a lion in its natural habitat or immortalise a fast action football match, there is a telephoto lens tailored for your needs.

Check out our guide to camera lenses under Rs. 25,000 to know more about budget friendly options.

Best uses of telephoto lenses

Use

Description

Wildlife Photography

Capture distant animals without disturbing them.

Sports Photography

Zoom in on athletes to capture action-packed moments.

Portrait Photography

Create flattering portraits with a blurred background.

Astrophotography

Photograph celestial objects like the moon and stars.

Travel Photography

Capture distant landmarks and scenic views with clarity.

Event Photography

Focus on specific subjects in crowded events, such as weddings and concerts.


Telephoto lens buying guide

  • Determine Your Budget: Set a budget to narrow down your options.
  • Focal Length: Choose a focal length based on your photography needs (e.g., 70-200mm for versatility).
  • Aperture: Look for a wide aperture (e.g., f/2.8) for better low-light performance and depth of field control.
  • Image Stabilisation: Opt for lenses with image stabilisation to reduce camera shake.
  • Compatibility: Ensure the lens is compatible with your camera body.
  • Weight and Size: Consider the weight and size for portability and ease of use.
  • Build Quality: Check for durable construction, especially if you plan to use it in challenging conditions.
  • Reviews and Recommendations: Read reviews and seek recommendations from other photographers.

Financing options with Bajaj Finserv

Looking for the perfect telephoto lenses? Bajaj Mall offers a wide variety to suit your photography needs. Once you have gathered all the necessary details, visit the nearest Bajaj Finserv partner store to pick your preferred product. Complete your purchases with Bajaj Finserv’s financing options, which set a predefined spending limit. Along with that, you can opt for a repayment tenure that works for you, ensuring the cost is covered through affordable EMIs. Bajaj Finserv also offers financing for electronic devices.

Advantages of shopping with Bajaj Finserv

  • Easy EMI: With the Bajaj Finserv’s financing options, you can purchase a telephoto lens without worrying about the price tag. You can convert the price into small, easy payments by selecting your preferredEasy EMI plan.
  • Flexible tenures: Choose repayment tenures ranging from1 monthto60 months, allowing you to pay for your desired telephoto lens at a pace that suits your budget.
  • Zero down payment: Withzero down payment options on select models, you can take the selected telephoto lens without a hefty upfront payment.
  • Pre-approved limit: Get pre-approved credit up toRs. 3 lakh, making it easy to select and purchase your preferred telephoto lens.
  • Wide network of partner stores: Shop from over1.5 lakhpartner stores and explore myriad options.

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Frequently asked questions

What does a telephoto lens do?
A telephoto lens allows photographers to capture distant subjects with precision by magnifying them while maintaining clarity. It is commonly used in wildlife, sports, and portrait photography for its ability to create sharp focus on subjects and blur the background, enhancing the subject’s prominence.

What is the difference between a telephoto and a zoom lens?
A telephoto lens has a fixed or long focal length, ideal for capturing distant subjects, while a zoom lens offers variable focal lengths, allowing users to switch between wide angle and telephoto views. Telephoto lenses are specialised, whereas zoom lenses provide flexibility across multiple photography scenarios.

What is the disadvantage of a telephoto lens?
Telephoto lenses are often bulky and heavy, making them less portable for casual use. They also tend to be more expensive and may require stabilisation to avoid motion blur, especially when handheld. Additionally, their narrow field of view limits their versatility for broader scenes.

What is the difference between prime and zoom telephoto lenses?

Prime telephoto lenses have a fixed focal length, offering superior image quality and wider apertures. Zoom telephoto lenses have variable focal lengths, providing flexibility to capture subjects at different distances. Choose prime for quality and low-light performance, and zoom for versatility and convenience.

What is image stabilization (IS/VR) in telephoto lenses, and do I need it?

Image stabilisation (IS/VR) in telephoto lenses reduces camera shake, resulting in sharper images, especially in low light or at long focal lengths. It is beneficial for handheld photography and essential for capturing clear, steady shots. Consider it if you often shoot without a tripod.

Are telephoto lenses good for portrait photography?

Yes, telephoto lenses are good for portrait photography. They create flattering portraits by compressing facial features and producing a pleasing background blur. Use a focal length of 85mm to 200mm for the best results. Ensure proper lighting and focus on the subject's eyes for stunning portraits.

What are some popular telephoto lenses for beginners?

Popular telephoto lenses for beginners include the Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS II USM and the Nikon AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED. These lenses offer a good balance of price, performance, and features, making them ideal for new photographers exploring telephoto photography.

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